Time to Panic in Boston?

Star third baseman Alex Bregman recently signed a five-year, $175 million contract that includes a full no-trade clause with the Chicago Cubs, leaving the Red Sox empty-handed. Boston has lost out on the likes of superstar after superstar and has been dwelling in the corner at the party all offseason. Where will Beantown pivot to address the cold front at the hot corner?

Free Agent Option: Eugenio Suarez

Suarez confronted and conquered the long ball in a 2025 season that saw him launch 49 baseballs over the fence to the loud crack of an .824 OPS. The veteran brings a mixture of power and volatility. Unfortunately, the Sox are nearly out of options, so they may have to bite the bullet on Suarez’s sometimes useless output in cold spurts. The strikeouts tend to come in bunches, but so do the homers. Suarez would likely utilize the Green Monster in left field to perfection and could fit right in at Fenway. His defense has lagged in the twilight years of his career, but a big year at the plate would nullify any shortcomings on the glove side. A two-year deal with a mutual option for 2027 would be a great fit for a win-now team and an aging slugger looking to go out on top.

Trade Option: Isaac Parades

The Astros and Red Sox have had preliminary talks about a potential flip of third baseman Isaac Paredes and outfielder Jarren Duran. It makes total sense for both sides and could be mutually beneficial. Another power threat, Parades makes his money by pulling the ball in the air. The Crawford Box seats in Houston teamed well with his approach, and it would translate perfectly to Beantown. In 2025, the right-handed pull specialist tossed up an .810 OPS and paired it alongside an elite whiff% (16.4%, 89th percentile) and an elite chase% (21.4%, 90th percentile). It’s really unusual for a hitter with so much power to also excel at his swing decisions. His defensive value is low, but Boston needs barrels. Bringing in Paredes would solve the Red Sox roster issues and add another layer to an already deep and promising lineup.

Internal Option: Marcelo Mayer

The obvious and most likely successor to Alex Bregman’s one-year run at Fenway is the homegrown talent Marcelo Mayer. The 23-year-old’s big league cup of coffee didn’t look great on the surface, but there are some promising signs. Mayer shone when it came to hard-hit% and bat speed. Two tools that will surely aid him going forward as he continues to mature within himself as a hitter. In the field, Mayer is a much better option than Suarez and Paredes; he just lacks the offensive power potential. Being on a rookie deal really adds to the youngster's value. If the Red Sox aren’t going to commit to Mayer in 2026, he needs to be moved.

Bonus Option: Willi Castro

Willi Castro has made a name for himself as a super utility player who churns out quality at-bats. His finite approach and high-level defense across the board make him a valuable player to any team he’s on. Adding Castro to the mix wouldn’t be quite as straightforward as the others. To clear space for the veteran switch-hitter, the Sox would need to move on from Nick Sogard and or Romy Gonzalez. Castro would provide depth at multiple positions and could start on a day-to-day basis at second base. A two-year deal should get the job done and net the veterans services in aiding Boston back to the big stage of postseason baseball. 

Conclusion: 

Whatever direction the Red Sox end up pursuing, Alex Bregman is another chapter in the encyclopedia of Boston shortcomings. Adding to the likes of Mookie Betts, Chris Sale, Kyle Schwarber, Rafael Devers, and Xander Bogaerts. The Sox have watched a long list of stars leave Fenway Park for bigger and better things. What will Alex Bregman go on to accomplish now that he dons another uniform?

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